According to the latest publications on child well-being state by state, Oklahoma is not doing so ‘well’:
Oklahoma’s domain rankings were:
- 43rd in family economic well-being,
- 41st in health well-being,
- 47th in safe/risky behavior (levels of crime and use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs),
- 38th in educational attainment,
- 44th in community engagement (working, school engagement, and voting among young adults),
- 49th in social relationships (percentage of children who have moved recently), and
- 11th in emotional/spiritual well-being (suicide rate and religious attachment).
The Legislature is now in Session. A top priority is tax cuts which may only add damage to these statistics as services are cut. Oklahomans are a hard working, self-reliant people. We belief in self-responsibility. However, babies and vulnerable children and youth cannot control these factors. State leaders, advocates, and Legislators must step up to provide for a healthy, stable future for our families so that we can thrive in our independence.
“Well-being?” Well done pointing out that the law makers have a solemn responsibility to take care of its future residents.